Heavy heart this morning. Big boy off to school with long face.
He and me. Dispute. Shoes on, shoes off, amplified.
Driving. Rain threatening. Angry word. Then another.
Backwards and forwards. Stop. Rewind. Cannot.
Hug at the bell. Rebuff.

Home with small boy and sadness. Pick it up, change the pace.
Smile. Play. End of day. Time to go back.
A smile and a hug. Dark clouds gathering.
Home. We remain light.
Squeeze colours onto fingers. Paint it out.

Paint. Right hand not left. Cover the paper. Blot it out. Leave it to the elements.
Hail. Rain. Boys in garden. Laughing. Squealing.
Toad in the hole for tea. Batter rising. Frustration subsiding.
Comfort food. Monopoly.
Bubbles and bed.